Abstract

Using a Monte Carlo simulation, we show how electron confinement allows sputteringmagnetrons to operate at lower neutral pressures than similar unmagnetized devices. We find that at both high and low pressures, the ionization efficiency in a magnetron is constant, and it varies by only 40% between the two regimes. In contrast, the efficiency of an unmagnetized discharge varies linearly with pressure, becoming very small at low pressures.